Clean in place gassing manifold

ABSTRACT

A clean in place gassing manifold comprises a gassing module comprising a hub, the gassing module and the hub being formed as a unitary device; and a complimentary clean in place module for coupling the gassing module, the complimentary clean in place module comprising a head that inserts into the hub of the gassing module. The gassing module coupled with the complimentary clean in place module allow a cleaning solution to be pumped through the coupled modules at and above a minimum flow rate and a minimum velocity for effective cleaning.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure generally relates to the field of automatic fillingsystems and more particularly to a clean in place gassing manifold foran automatic filling system for a food product distributed in apressurized spray can, such as whipped cream.

BACKGROUND

Small, economical containers are used in large volume for the storage,transportation, and dispensing of food products. A commonly utilizedcontainer is the pressurized spray can. Generally, an automatic fillingsystem receives a succession of empty cans by some conveying means forfilling products. The automatic filling system has a food filling nozzleand/or manifold that fills the spray cans with food. The automaticfilling system may also utilize a gassing nozzle and/or manifold toinsert propellant into the food filled spray cans to pressurize thecans. Whipped cream, spray oil, and processed cheese may be stored anddispensed utilizing pressurized cans. It is necessary to thoroughlyclean the hoses, pipes, and other parts of the gassing manifold'sproduct and propellant delivery system to disinfect food contactsurfaces to prevent the growth of potentially harmful microorganisms.

In order to clean the gassing manifold of an automatic filling system,it is necessary to disassemble substantial portions of the gassingmanifold prior to cleaning. This disassembly may be time consuming andlabor intensive. Furthermore, hard to reach surfaces of the manifoldcould be missed during cleaning.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, the disclosure is directed to a clean in place gassingmanifold, to a method for providing a clean in place gassing manifold,and to a method for cleaning a gassing manifold.

The clean in place gassing manifold comprises a gassing modulecomprising a hub, the gassing module and the hub being formed as aunitary device; and a complimentary clean in place module for couplingthe gassing module, the complimentary clean in place module comprising ahead that inserts into the hub of the gassing module. The gassing modulecoupled with the complimentary clean in place module allow a cleaningsolution to be pumped through the coupled modules at and above a minimumflow rate and a minimum velocity for effective cleaning.

The method for providing a clean in place gassing manifold comprisesproviding a gassing module comprising a hub, the gassing module and thehub being formed as a unitary device, and providing a complimentaryclean in place module for coupling the gassing module, the complimentaryclean in place module comprising a head that inserts into the hub of thegassing module. The gassing module coupled with the complimentary cleanin place module allows a cleaning solution to be pumped through thecoupled modules at and above a minimum flow rate and a minimum velocityfor effective cleaning.

The method for cleaning a gassing manifold comprises inserting a cleanin place module into a gassing module to form a coupled module, pumpinga cleaning solution through the coupled module, and removing the cleanin place module from the gassing module. The coupled module allows thecleaning solution to be pumped through the coupled module at and above aminimum flow rate and a minimum velocity for effective cleaning.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only.The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of the specification, illustrate examples and together with thegeneral description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The numerous advantages of the disclosure may be better understood bythose skilled in the art by reference to the accompanying figures inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a partial front view illustrating a clean in place gassingmanifold, wherein a gassing module is coupled with a spray can deliverysystem;

FIG. 2 is a partial side view illustrating a clean in place gassingmanifold, wherein a gassing module is coupled with a clean in placemodule;

FIG. 3 is a partial side view illustrating a clean in place gassingmanifold, wherein a gassing module is coupled with a clean in placemodule;

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the gassing module as illustrated in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the clean in place module illustrated in FIG.3;

FIG. 6 is a partial side view of the clean in place module illustratedin FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a partial isometric view of the gassing module illustrated inFIG. 3;

FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional side view of the gassing modulecoupled with the clean in place module as illustrated in FIG. 3;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side view of the hub as illustrated in FIG.7;

FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional side view of the hub coupled withthe clean in place manifold as illustrated in FIG. 3;

FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional side view of a hub coupled with theclean in place manifold, wherein an O-ring is located at the base of thehub;

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a method for producing a clean inplace gassing manifold;

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a method for producing a clean inplace gassing manifold; and

FIG. 14 is diagram illustrating a method for cleaning a gassingmanifold.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring generally to FIGS. 1 through 11, a clean in place gassingmanifold 100 of an automatic filling system is shown. A CIP gassingmanifold 100 may comprise two modules: a gassing module 102 and a cleanin place (CIP) module 116. Additionally, the CIP gassing manifold 100may comprise a spray can delivery system 128. A clean in place systemautomatically cleans a machine's pipes, orifices, hoses, and othersurfaces that may contact food with minimal manual labor by thecirculation and/or flowing of chemical detergents, solvents, waterrinses, and/or other suitable cleaners for food machines to safelyproduce food products for human consumption based on microorganismgrowth.

A clean in place system eliminates the potential for human error whencleaning, the need to pay manual labor for cleaning, and the possibilityof exposure to potentially harmful microorganisms for manual cleaners.Therefore, clean in place systems are more efficient, less laborintensive, less expensive, and more consistent than manual cleaningmethods.

In order for a clean in place system to work effectively, the cleaningsolution pumped through the machine must maintain a minimum flow rateand minimum velocity, which vary based on pipe and tube diameters, toguarantee the cleaning solution contacts the surfaces of the machinethat may come into contact with food. Therefore, being able to achieveand/or exceed a minimum flow rate and minimum velocity for the cleaningsolution of the clean in place system is needed for an effective cleanin place system.

The gassing module 102 includes a flow tube 104, a valve 106, and a hub108 as illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 4, 7, and 8. The gassing module102 may include two valves 112 and 114 and sixteen hubs 108 asillustrated in FIGS. 1 through 3. The hub 108 is not detachable from thegassing module 102 and the gassing module's flow tube 104. The hub 108and gassing module 102 is a unitary device including a flow tube fixedlyconnected to one or more hubs, unlike other gassing modules that havedetachable/separately added hubs. Typically, detachable hubs areattached with screws, creating crevasses and threads that need to becleaned thoroughly to prevent potentially harmful microorganisms fromgrowing. Cleaning is only effective for these types of hubs when theentire hub is removed for cleaning, so the threads and crevasses may bereached. Detachable/separate hubs often prevent effective clean in placesystems from being created. Because the hubs 108 are part of onecontinuous structure with the flow tube 104 of the gassing module 102 asillustrated in FIG. 3, there are no crevasses or threads that need to becleaned, eliminating the need to detach the hub for proper cleaning.This continuous structure is different from other continuous structuresby maintaining proper flow areas to maintain CIP velocities and provideconsistent gas filling. Moreover, the gassing module may include atleast one rotary hub. Furthermore, the gassing module may be a rotarygassing module 102.

The spray can delivery system 128 holds and positions spray cans 110 sothat the nozzles of the spray cans 110 may be directly inserted into thehubs 108 of the gassing module 102 as illustrated in FIG. 1. The spraycan delivery system 128 holds the same number of spray cans 110 underthe gassing module 102 as there are hubs 108 with the nozzles of thespray cans 110 at about the same distance apart as the hubs 108 on thegassing module 102. The spray can delivery system 128 lines up spraycans underneath the gassing module 102 so that every hub 108 may havethe nozzle of a spray can 110 held by the spray can delivery system 128inserted into it automatically by the gassing module 102 of the CIPgassing manifold 100.

Similarly, the clean in place module 116 compliments the gassing module102. The CIP module has receptacle tubes 118 with heads 120 that may beinserted into the hubs 108. In other words, the number of heads 120 andtheir distances apart on the clean in place module 116 correlate withthe number of hubs 108 and their distances apart on the gassing module102 allowing the heads 120 to be inserted into the hubs 108 of thegassing module 102 automatically by the CIP module 116 of the CIPgassing manifold 100 as illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3, and 8.

A hub conduit 122 and hub gap 124 within the hub 108 may connect theflow tube 104 to the nozzles of the spray cans 110 held by the spray canmanifold 128 and to the heads 120 of the CIP module 116. An O-ring 126may seal the hub gap 124 with the nozzles of the spray cans 110 or withthe heads 120 of the clean in place module 116 as illustrated in FIGS.8, 10, and 11. The O-ring 126 may be located in various positions in thehub 108 to seal the hub gap 124 with the nozzles of the spray cans 110or with the heads 120 of the clean in place module 116. The O-ring maybe located near the middle of the hub 108 as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and10. The O-ring 126 may be located near the base of the hub 108 asillustrated in FIG. 11. The hub conduit 122 and hub gap 124 may connectperpendicularly with the flow tube 104 and form a straight passageway tothe nozzles of the spray cans 110 and/or to the heads 120 of the CIPmodule 116. In other words, the hub conduit 122 may contain no bends,corners, right angles, or other crevices as illustrated in FIG. 9.

The primary purpose of the gassing module 102 when coupled with thespray can delivery system 128 may be the addition of propellant to thefood dispensing spray cans 110 in order to pressurize the cans. Thepropellants may include compressed gas propellants, such as nitrousoxide. The propellant may be pumped through the flow tube 104 from bothdirections 132 as illustrated in FIG. 1. The valve or valves 106 locatedbetween the hubs 108 may be opened. It is contemplated that other flowpaths and directional flows that maintain enough pressure and correctdirection may be utilized without departing from the scope and intent ofthe disclosure. Two valves 112 and 114 may be located between the hubs108. The valves 112 and 114 may be located between sixteen hubs 108 witheight hubs positioned between valve 112 and 114 and four hubs positionedon the other sides of both valves 112 and 114 as illustrated in FIGS. 1through 3. With the valve or valves 106 open, the propellant may flow132 freely from both sides of the flow tube 104 until the two flows ofpropellant meet in the center of the flow tube 104. The pressure createdby the meeting of the two streams of propellant may push the propellantthrough the hubs 108 towards the spray cans 132.

The propellant may be directed 132 through the hub conduit 122 and hubgap 124 of the hubs 108 to the spray cans 110 as illustrated in FIG. 1.Again the hub conduit 122 may create a straight passageway to the hubgap 124 as illustrated in FIG. 9. The propellant may enter the cans bypushing on the nozzles of the spray cans 110 with enough pressure tocompress the nozzles' springs, opening the nozzles and allowingpropellant to enter the spray cans 110. When the desired amount ofpropellant is within the spray cans 110, the spray can delivery system128 may be released from the gassing module which relieves the pressureon the spray can nozzles, which stops the propellant flow through theflow tube 104 and hubs 108. The spray can inserted propellant, such asnitrous oxide, may exude pressure on the food product as the spray cans'springs decompress on the nozzles' openings with the reduction inpressure and possibly excretes a bit of the food product from thepressurize spray cans 110 into the gassing module 102 before the springsfully tighten to close the nozzles of the spray cans 110, thus creatingthe need for cleaning. It is contemplated that other mechanisms thateffectively close pressurized spray cans besides spring seats may beutilized without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure.

Prior to cleaning, the nozzles of the spray cans 110 may be removed fromthe gassing module 102 by the gassing module 102. The clean in placemodule 116 may then automatically connect its heads 120 into the hubs108 of the gassing module 102.

In order for the clean in place system to clean the gassing module 102effectively, the cleaning solution must be manipulated to flow throughall of the hubs 108. Moreover, a minimum flow rate and minimum velocitydetermined based on pipe diameters must be met or exceeded for the flowtube 104, hubs 108, clean in place module heads 120, and clean in placemodule receptacle tubes 118. Area multiplied by velocity equalsvolumetric flow rate. Flow rate for a cylinder is determined by thefollowing equation: (Πr²)(v)=Flow rate (where Π is the ratio of acircle's circumference divided by its diameter, r is the radius of acircle, Πr² is the area of a circle, and v is velocity). Velocity is therate at which an object changes position. Velocity may be calculated bydividing displacement by time. Area is the extent of a two-dimensionalsurface enclosed within a boundary measured in square units.

A pump may push the liquid at a determined pressure. The amount ofpressure utilized may effect volumetric flow rate and hence the startingvelocity of the liquid. However, only certain amounts of velocity arepossible at different diameters based on currently available suitablepumps. The smaller the diameter of a pipe, the more pressure requiredfor effective cleaning, which becomes more difficult for the pump andpiping.

The necessary flow rate and velocity for effective cleaning increases asradii and/or areas increase. Similarly, as radii and areas decrease sotoo does the minimum flow rate and necessary velocity for effectivecleaning. The minimum flow rate insures that all the surfaces of anorifice, a pipe, and/or tube within the gassing module 102 that can becontaminated by food come into effective contact with the cleaningsolution, which is pumped through the gassing manifold 100 to disinfectthe gassing module 102 and may prevent the growth of potentially harmfulmicroorganisms. A machine may be effectively cleaned by the clean inplace system, when the machine is considered safe for utilization withfood products for human consumption based on microorganism growth. If apipe's diameter ranges from about 1 inch to about 2.9 inches, therecommended minimum velocity required for effective cleaning may rangefrom about 5 feet per second to about 15 feet per second and the minimumflow rate would range from about 9.25 gallons per minute (1 inch pipe, 5feet per second) to about 206 gallons per minute (2.9 inch pipe, 10 feetper second). If a pipe's diameter ranges from about 3 inches to about3.9 inches the minimum velocity required for effective cleaning mayrange from about 6 feet per second to about 10 feet per second and theminimum flow rate would range from about 132 gallons per minute (3 inchpipe, 6 feet per second) to about 372 gallons per minute (3.9 inch pipe,10 feet per second). If a pipe's diameter is about 4 inches or largerthe minimum velocity required for effective cleaning may range fromabout 7 feet per second to about 15 feet per second and the minimum flowrate may range from about 274 gallons per minute (4 inch pipe, 7 feetper second) to about 588 gallons per minute (4 inch pipe, 15 feet persecond).

Typically, pumped liquid will take the path of least resistance. If thevalve or valves 106 of the gassing module 102 coupled with the CIPmodule 116 of FIG. 3 were opened when liquid was pumped in one directionwith a higher pressure through the flow tube 104, then most of thepumped liquid may continue straight through the flow tube 104 and exitthe gassing module 102 with very little if any of the pumped liquidflowing through the hubs 108. Furthermore, any liquid that passesthrough the hubs 108 to the heads 120 and receptacle tubes 118 of theCIP module 116 may not have enough pressure or force to exit thereceptacle tubes 118 and will simply accumulate. Moreover, the velocityof the liquid traveling through the different hubs 108 and receptacletube 118 may have differing velocities based on the amount of pressureeach stream is under.

Therefore, to prevent a substantial pressure drop in the gassing moduleand to ensure that all of the hubs receive an effective amount ofcleaning fluid, the flow of the cleaning solution may be channeled. Thevalve or valves 106 located between the hubs 108 may be closed. Thevalves 112 and 114 may be closed. The gassing module 102 may then pumpwith the necessary pressure the cleaning solution, such as solvents, inone end of the flow tube 104. The liquid may move in one direction 134through the flow tube 104 and out the other side as illustrated in FIG.2, unlike the propellant that is pumped in from both sides 132. Theclosed valve or valves may manipulate and direct the flow 134 of thecleaning solution. The closed valve or valves 106 may put a substantialamount of pressure on the pumped cleaning solution, which pushes theliquid through the hubs 108 towards the CIP module. The pressure maydecrease from left to right in FIG. 2 along the flow path 134. Valves112 and 114 provide enough back pressure to force the flow from thegasser module 102 through the CIP module 116. Velocity may remainrelatively constant through the entire system because the areas changeto accommodate the pressure differences.

The cleaning solution may enter the flow tube 104 from one side of thegassing module 102 and then hit the closed valve or valves 106. Theclosed valve or valves 106 may cause the cleaning solution to be pushedtowards the CIP module 134 through the hubs 108 before the closed valve106 as illustrated in FIG. 2. The valve or valves 106 may be positionedto channel the cleaning solution to flow 134 in one direction throughthe flow tube 104 of the gassing module 102. The liquid may proceedthrough the hubs 108 to the heads 120 of the clean in place module 116.Next, the cleaning solution may flow 134 to the receptacle tubes 118 ofthe CIP module 116 until the liquid reaches the end of the receptacletubes 118, which may force the cleaning solution up through the heads120 of the clean in place module 116 that are located down stream fromthe already encountered closed valve 106 of the gassing module 102 asillustrated in FIG. 2. The ending of the receptacle tube 118 of the CIPmodule 116 may create enough pressure to pump the cleaning solution notonly back through heads 102 farther downstream, but may also cause thecleaning solution to flow 134 back through different hubs 108 fartherdownstream and into the flow tube 104. The cleaning solution may eitherexit the module from the flow tube 104 at this point or continue totravel through the flow tube 104 until the cleaning solution contactsanother closed valve 106 causing the liquid to flow 134 through a selectnumber of hubs prior to the closed valve 106 and repeat the previouslydescribed flow pattern again with cleaning solution existing the flowtube at then end of this flow pattern.

The cleaning solution may flow 134 from one end of the flow tube 104 inone direction to the other end of the flow tube 104 and flow through thehubs 108 and heads 120 in sections of four as illustrated in FIG. 2. Itis understood that other different correlating configurations of hubs,spray cans, valves, and heads may be utilized without departing from thescope and spirit of the disclosure. The gassing module may have only onevalve with eight or six total hubs split evenly on either side of thevalve. The gassing module may also have more or fewer than 8 hubs.

The velocity of the cleaning solution pumped through multiple tubes withmultiple bends may change based on the amount of pressure the liquid isunder at the inlet to the gassing module 102. The more turns and/orcorners the liquid flows through, the greater the pressure drop. Thevelocity of the cleaning solution may vary as it travels from the flowtube 104 through different hubs 108 as described above, but the liquidis prevented from fatting below the minimum velocity and the minimumflow rate required for the diameters and enclosed two-dimensionalsurfaces at issue in the gassing module and the CIP module.

To accomplish this, the hubs 108 may be modified to create fewer bendsand turns. However, this change alone will not maintain a minimum flowrate. In order to achieve the minimum flow rate, based on the equationabove, the area of the tubes, pipes, orifices, and other surfaces of thecoupled gassing module and CIP module that the cleaning solution flowsthrough may be designed to counter act any anticipated change invelocity. By changing the area of each portion of the coupled gassingmodule and CIP module that the cleaning solution flows through based onthe necessary velocity needed in a certain position and at all of thedownstream positions, a minimum flow rate and velocity may be achievedwith the newly calculated and precisely implemented diameters andenclosed two-dimensional surfaces to create a clean in place gassingmanifold 100.

Therefore, in order to maintain a minimum flow rate when the gassingmodule and CIP module are coupled, the flow tube's 104, the hubconduit's 122, the hub gap's 124, the CIP module heads' 120, and the CIPmodule receptacle tubes' 118 necessary areas may be calculated andprecisely implemented into the CIP module and the gassing module. Thetotal area of the receptacle tube 118 may vary depending upon which hubsthe receptacle tube is closest too. The portion of the receptacle tube118 near the hubs 108 farthest away from the closed valve or valves 106may be smaller than portions of the receptacle tube near the hubs 108closest to the closed valve or valves 106.

Similarly, the total area of the hub conduit 122 may be smaller in thehubs position farther away from the closed valve or valves 106 and maybe larger in the hubs 108 positioned closest to the closed valve orvalves 106. Moreover, the area of the hub gap 122 around the head 120 ofthe CIP module 116 above the O-ring 126 may be equal to the area of thehub conduit 122 in order to maintain the necessary flow rate. The areaof the hub gap 122 around the head 120 of the CIP module 116 above theO-ring 126 may be the extent of the two-dimensional surface enclosedwithin those boundaries as measured in square units.

The hubs 108, however, still have to easily and automatically fit overthe nozzles of the spray cans 110. Therefore, the hubs 108 may bedesigned to taper enough prior to or after the O-ring 126 to allow thenozzles of the spray cans 110 to be inserted into the hubs 108automatically by the gassing module 102 but created small enough pastthe O-ring 126 to have an area above the O-ring in the hub gap 124around head 120 of the CIP module 116 that is equivalent to the area ofthe hub conduit 122 to maintain velocity and exceed or meet the minimumflow rate and velocity of the cleaning solution.

By implementing set areas at calculated points, the minimum flow ratemay be achieved or exceeded by the cleaning solution to effectivelyclean the gassing module of the CIP gassing manifold 100. Differenteffective flow rates and velocities for clean in place systems may beachieved by combining different areas and different starting pressuresfor the cleaning solution to effectively clean a gassing manifold for afood product distributed in a pressurized spray can.

Previously utilized gassing manifolds did not lend themselves easily toclean in place systems. Several problems had to be overcome to design aclean in place system for a gassing manifold. The radius of a flow tubeof a typical gassing module was too small to maintain the necessary flowrates and velocities for an effective clean in place system. Also, thehub conduits of typical gassing modules did not have straightpassageways to the hub gaps or their cross sectional areas were notconsistent to allow consistent velocities. The hub conduits of typicalgassing modules contained at least one corner and/or right angle and mayhave varied in area and/or radii. In a specific gassing modules, the hubconduits utilize a five way cross connection to enter the hub gap, whichmay reduce pressure and create variable velocities. Additionally, thehub gap's area needed to be large enough to allow the hub to beautomatically inserted over the nozzle of the spray cans by the gassingmodule while still reaching or exceeding the minimum flow rate andvelocity. These features prevented a minimum flow rate and velocity frombeing obtained or exceeded and could prevent the cleaning solution fromflowing in the intended and/or desired direction.

A sanitary clamp 130 may be utilized to secure the different modules totheir support structures as illustrated in FIGS. 3, 7, and 8. Typicalmodules of previously made gassing manifolds were attached to supportingstructures by utilizing screws and other attachment mechanisms thatcreate spaces for food particle lodgment, which again create threads andseparate parts that need to be disassembled for effective cleaning.Threads and the need to disassemble the gassing module for propercleaning may be eliminated by utilizing sanitary clamps 130 that preventfood particles from gaining access to crevasses.

Currently, gassing manifolds are cleaned about once a day to disinfecttheir gassing modules and to prevent the growth of harmfulmicroorganisms. Often times, to clean one type of a current gassingmodule, the hubs are manually unscrewed and cleaned and/or soaked foreffective cleaning. In another type of current gassing module, themodule is one continuous structure with hubs that are not detachable. Inthis current configuration, the areas of the tubes, pipes, and orificesare not regulated and a CIP system is not possible, because enormouspressure drops would occur when a cleaning solution is pumped throughthis type of gassing module. Therefore, these types of current gassingmodules are manually removed from their supporting structures and soakedfor effective cleaning. Eliminating the need for manual labor andsoakings, drastically decreases cleaning time and increases cleaningconsistency by allowing a CIP system to automatically clean the gassingmodule with minimal human involvement.

Referring to FIG. 12 a method for providing a clean in place gassingmanifold 200 is shown. Method 200 provides a gassing manifold foralternately coupling a gassing module and a complimentary clean in placemodule, 202. Method 200 couples the complimentary clean in place modulewith the gassing module to form a clean in place system, 204.

Referring to FIG. 13 another method for providing a clean in placegassing manifold 300. Method 300 provides a gassing module comprising ahub, the gassing module and the hub being formed as a unitary device,302. Method 300 provides a complimentary clean in place module forcoupling the gassing module, the complimentary clean in place modulecomprising a head that inserts into the hub of the gassing module, 304.The gassing module coupled with the complimentary clean in place moduleallows a cleaning solution to be pumped through the coupled modules atand above a minimum flow rate and a minimum velocity for effectivecleaning. Furthermore, the hub may be designed and built to create astraight passageway from the flow tube of the gassing module to the headof the clean in place module and may be designed to include a hubconduit with an area equal to the area of the hub gap above the O-ringwhen the head of the complimentary clean in place module is insertedinto gassing module. Additionally, the clean in place module and thegassing module may be attached to their supporting structures byutilizing a sanitary clamp.

Referring to FIG. 14 a method for cleaning a gassing manifold 400 isshown. Method 400 inserts a clean in place module into a gassing moduleto form a coupled module, 402. Method 400 pumps a cleaning solutionthrough the coupled module, 404. Method 400 removes the clean in placemodule from the gassing module, 406. The coupled module allows thecleaning solution to be pumped through the coupled module at and above aminimum flow rate and a minimum velocity for effective cleaning.

EXAMPLE 1

The gassing module contained 16 hubs. Eight of these hubs are positionedbetween two valves with the remaining eight hubs split evenly on theother sides of both valves as illustrated in FIG. 2. The complimentaryclean in place module, when coupled with the gassing module, allowed thecleaning solution to travel thorough the coupled modules at velocitiesof five feet per second and above. The diameter of the flow tube rangedfrom about 0.4 inches to about 0.6 inches. The diameter of the hubconduits ranged from about 0.12 inches to about 0.25 inches. The area ofthe hub gap above the O-ring when the head of the CIP module is insertedinto the hub gap is equivalent to the area of the hub conduit. The headsof the CIP module ranged in diameter from about 0.3 inches to about 0.4inches. The receptacle tubes of the CIP module ranged in diameter fromabout 0.31 inches to about 0.5 inches. The cleaning solution is pumpedthrough the module with a pressure ranging from about 20 to about 60pounds per square inch. In this configuration, the resulting CIPmanifold had a flow rate that effectively cleans the gassing module.

EXAMPLE 2

The gassing module contained 2 hubs. One valve is positioned between thetwo hubs. All conduits within the gassing module and CIP moduleincluding the flow tube and receptacle tubes had diameters of 0.125inches. The area of the hub gap above the O-ring when the head of theCIP module was inserted into the hub gap was equivalent to the area ofthe hub conduit. The cleaning solution was pumped through the coupledgassing module and CIP module with a closed valve at two different flowrates. First, the cleaning solution was pumped through the coupledgassing module and CIP module with a closed valve at a flow rate of 3feet per second (0.11 gallons/min). The pressure drop range within thecoupled gassing module and CIP module with a closed valve ranged from1.6 psi to about 15 psi. Next, a flow rate of 15 feet per second (0.58gallon/min) was utilized resulting in a pressure drop range of about 25psi to about 50 psi.

EXAMPLE 3

The gassing module contained 2 hubs. One valve is positioned between thetwo hubs. All conduits within the gassing module and CIP moduleincluding the flow tube and receptacle tubes had a diameter of 1.25inches. The area of the hub gap above the O-ring when the head of theCIP module was inserted into the hub gap was equivalent to the area ofthe hub conduit. The cleaning solution was pumped through the coupledgassing module and CIP module with a closed valve at two different flowrates. First, the cleaning solution was pumped through the coupledgassing module and CIP module with a closed valve at a flow rate of 3feet per second (11.5 gallons/min). The pressure drop range within thecoupled gassing module and CIP module with a closed valve ranged from0.2 psi to about 8 psi. Next, a flow rate of 15 feet per second (57gallon/min) was utilized resulting in a pressure drop range of about 4psi to about 18 psi.

It should be noted that based on EXAMPLES 2 and 3, as tube diameterincreases from 0.125 inches to 1.25 inches, the pressure drop range maydecrease helping to maintain a desired velocity. Also, as the flow rateincreases so does the pressure drop range. Therefore, in order toachieve the desired flow rate and velocity the size of the conduits andthe flow rate may need to be adjusted in relation to each other.

EXAMPLE 4

The gassing module contained 32 hubs and 4 valves. Four hubs are presenton each end of the gassing module before a valve is reached. Eight hubswere found between these two valves and the next interior hubs leavingeight hubs between the most two interior hubs. All conduits within thegassing module and CIP module including the flow tube and receptacletubes had a diameter of 0.125 inches. The area of the hub gap above theO-ring when the head of the CIP module was inserted into the hub gap wasequivalent to the area of the hub conduit. The cleaning solution waspumped through the coupled gassing module and CIP module with closedvalves at two different flow rates. First, the cleaning solution waspumped through the coupled gassing module and CIP module with closedvalves at a flow rate of 3 feet per second (0.11 gallons/min). Thepressure drop range within the coupled gassing module and CIP modulewith closed valves ranged from 8 psi to about 23 psi. Next, a flow rateof 15 feet per second (0.58 gallon/min) was utilized resulting in apressure drop range of about 150 psi to about 250 psi.

EXAMPLE 5

The gassing module contained 32 hubs and 4 valves. Four hubs are presenton each end of the gassing module before a valve is reached. Eight hubswere found between these two valves and the next interior hubs leavingeight hubs between the two most interior hubs. All conduits within thegassing module and CIP module including the flow tube and receptacletubes had a diameter of 1.25 inches. The area of the hub gap above theO-ring when the head of the CIP module was inserted into the hub gap wasequivalent to the area of the hub conduit. The cleaning solution waspumped through the coupled gassing module and CIP module with closedvalves at two different flow rates. First, the cleaning solution waspumped through the coupled gassing module and CIP module with closedvalves at a flow rate of 3 feet per second (11.5 gallons/min). Thepressure drop range within the coupled gassing module and CIP modulewith closed valves ranged from 2 psi to about 20 psi. Next, a flow rateof 15 feet per second (57 gallon/min) was utilized resulting in apressure drop range of about 15 psi to about 60 psi.

It should be noted that based on EXAMPLES 4 and 5, as tube diameterincreases from 0.125 inches to 1.25 inches, the pressure drop range maydecrease helping to maintain a desired velocity. Also, as the flow rateincreases so does the pressure drop range. Therefore, in order toachieve the desired flow rate and velocity the size of the conduits andthe flow rate may need to be adjusted in relation to each other.

Furthermore, based on EXAMPLES 2 through 5, as the number of hubsincreases so too does the pressure drop range showing that as the numberof turns and corners increase, the harder it is to prevent pressuredrops. Therefore, the desired flow rate and velocity may depend on theconduit size, the flow rate, and the number of bends, twists, and turnsfound within the coupled gassing module and CIP module.

EXAMPLE 6

The microbiological growth in the gassing module was tested afterutilizing the clean in place system. The clean in place system utilizedwas identical to the system shown in FIG. 2. Three different runs wereconducted in this experiment.

In the first run no food was inserted into the gassing module. One swabwas taken for two hubs for each of the 16 hubs resulting in 8 swabs anda swab was taken at the gasser port, the incoming end of the module, andthe outgoing end of the module to test for the microbiological count andutilized as the control samples. Next, the clean in place system wasutilized. The CIP module was coupled to the gassing module and thevalves closed. The pump was set at 40 psi with a flow rate of about 3.50gallons per minute to about 3.75 gallons per minute. A cold rinse wasrun through the system for five minutes followed by a hot rinse for 10minutes, a caustic rinse for 30 minutes and a final rinse for 15minutes. The caustic rinse may comprise 2.5% NaOH heated with steam.After this process, one swab was taken for two hubs for each of the 16hubs resulting in 8 swabs and a swab was taken at the gasser port, theincoming end of the gassing module, and the outgoing end of the gassingmodule to test for the microbiological count. As a guideline, a readinganywhere under 5,000 is acceptable. The control swab for this test had acount of 1,895, while only the swabs at hubs 3 and 4; 15 and 16; and theincoming end of gassing module had any count after the clean in placesystem was utilized. Hubs 3 and 4 had a count of 235. Hubs 15 and 16 hada count of 58 and the incoming end of the gassing module had a count of862, which are all less than the 5,000 guideline.

In the second run, non-dairy whipped cream was run through the gassingmodule. Next, the outside hubs were sprayed by a Strahman hot waterhose. The Strahman hot water hose is produced by Strahman Valves, Inc.located at 2801 Baglyos Circle, Lehigh Valley Industrial Park VI,Bethlehem, Pa. 18020. The control sample was taken in this experimentafter spraying the hubs with the Strahman hot water hose. The controlsample consisted of one swab taken for two hubs for each of the 16 hubsresulting in 8 swabs and a swab was taken at the gasser port, theincoming end of the gassing module, and the outgoing end of the gassingmodule to test for the microbiological count. The control reading had acount of 116,087. The clean in place system utilized a pump set at 55psi with a flow rate of about 4.25 gallons per minute to about 4.75gallons per minute. Again, a cold rinse was ran through the system forfive minutes followed by a hot rinse for 10 minutes, a caustic rinse for30 minutes and a final rinse for 15 minutes. After utilizing the cleanin place system all of the swabs were well less than 5,000 and morespecially, all the swabs were less than 1400. Moreover, six of the hubsand the outgoing end of the gassing module registered zero counts.

In the final run, the gassing module was filled with whipped cream andleft to sit for about 5 hours to dry. Again, the outside hubs weresprayed by a Strahman hot water hose. After this period, one swab wastaken for two hubs for each of the 16 hubs resulting in 8 swabs and aswab was taken at the gasser port, the incoming end of the gassingmodule, and the outgoing end of the gassing module to test for themicrobiological count and utilized as the control samples. The controlsample had a microbiological count of 16,760. Next, the clean in placesystem was utilized. The CIP module was coupled to the gassing moduleand the valves closed. The pump was set at 55 psi with a flow rate ofabout 5.00 to about 5.50. A cold rinse was ran through the system forfive minutes followed by a hot rinse for 10 minutes, a caustic rinse for40 minutes and a final rinse for 15 minutes. After utilizing the cleanin place system all of the swabs had a microbiological count of 0.

Therefore, this experiment illustrates the effectiveness of the clean inplace system for cleaning the gassing module by showing that aftercleaning all of the microbiological counts were less than the guideline,which requires a count of less than 5,000. Moreover, this experimentfully covered the gassing module with food, whereas in actual use,typically, only 25% of the gassing module will be contacted with food.Therefore, when utilized in production, it is contemplated that theclean in place system may be even more effective, because there would beless microbiological growth to kill than found in previously describedsecond and third runs.

The methods disclosed may be implemented as sets of instructions,through a single production device, and/or through multiple productiondevices. Further, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchyof steps in the methods disclosed are examples of exemplary approaches.Based upon design preferences, it is understood that the specific orderor hierarchy of steps in the method can be rearranged while remainingwithin the scope and spirit of the disclosure. The accompanying methodclaims present elements of the various steps in a sample order, and arenot necessarily meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchypresented.

It is believed that the disclosure and many of its attendant advantageswill be understood by the foregoing description, and it will be apparentthat various changes may be made in the form, construction andarrangement of the components thereof without departing from the scopeand spirit of the disclosure or without sacrificing all of its materialadvantages. The form herein before described being merely anexplanatory, it is the intention of the following claims to encompassand include such changes.

1. A clean in place gassing manifold, comprising: a gassing modulecomprising a hub, the gassing module and the hub being formed as aunitary device; and a complimentary clean in place module for couplingthe gassing module, the complimentary clean in place module comprising ahead that inserts into the hub of the gassing module, wherein thegassing module coupled with the complimentary clean in place moduleallow a cleaning solution to be pumped through the coupled modules atand above a minimum flow rate and a minimum velocity for effectivecleaning.
 2. The clean in place gassing manifold of claim 1, wherein thegassing module includes a supporting structure that is attached to thegassing module by utilizing a sanitary clamp.
 3. The clean in placegassing manifold of claim 1, wherein a microbiological count of lessthan 5,000 is found within any portion of the gassing module after thecleaning solution is pumped through the coupled modules at and above theminimum flow rate and the minimum velocity.
 4. The clean in placegassing manifold of claim 1, wherein the gassing module is coupled withthe complimentary clean in place module.
 5. The clean in place gassingmanifold of claim 4, wherein the hub includes a hub conduit and a hubgap.
 6. The clean in place gassing manifold of claim 5, wherein the hubconduit is a straight passageway.
 7. The clean in place gassing manifoldof claim 6, wherein the hub gap includes an O-ring.
 8. The clean inplace gassing manifold of claim 7, wherein an enclosed two-dimensionalsurface of the hub gap above the O-ring has an area equal to an area ofthe hub conduit.
 9. The clean in place gassing manifold of claim 8,wherein the gassing module comprises sixteen hubs and two valves. 10.The clean in place gassing manifold of claim 9, further comprising: thegassing module comprising, a flow tube having a diameter of about 0.4inches to about 0.6 inches, the hub conduit having a diameter of about0.12 inches to about 0.25 inches, and the clean in place modulecomprising, the head having a diameter of about 0.3 inches to about 0.4inches, and a receptacle tube having a diameter of about 0.31 inches toabout 0.5 inches; and a cleaning solution pumped at about 20 pounds persquare inch to about 60 pounds per square inch through the coupledmodules, wherein the cleaning solution maintains a flow rate of at least5 feet per second.
 11. A method for cleaning a gassing manifold,comprising: inserting a clean in place module into a gassing module toform a coupled module; pumping a cleaning solution through the coupledmodule; and removing the clean in place module from the gassing module,wherein the coupled module allows the cleaning solution to be pumpedthrough the coupled module at and above a minimum flow rate and aminimum velocity for effective cleaning.
 12. The method for claim 11,wherein a microbiological count of less than 5,000 is found within anyportion of the gassing module after pumping the cleaning solutionthrough the coupled module at and above the minimum flow rate and theminimum velocity.
 13. A method for providing a clean in place gassingmanifold, comprising: providing a gassing module comprising a hub, thegassing module and the hub being formed as a unitary device; andproviding a complimentary clean in place module for coupling the gassingmodule, the complimentary clean in place module comprising a head thatinserts into the hub of the gassing module, wherein the gassing modulecoupled with the complimentary clean in place module allows a cleaningsolution to be pumped through the coupled modules at and above a minimumflow rate and a minimum velocity for effective cleaning.
 14. The methodfor claim 13, wherein the gassing module includes a supporting structurethat is attached to the gassing module by utilizing a sanitary clamp.15. The method for claim 13, wherein a microbiological count of lessthan 5,000 is found within any portion of the gassing module after thecleaning solution is pumped through the coupled modules at and above theminimum flow rate and the minimum velocity.
 16. The method for claim 13,wherein the hub includes a hub conduit and a hub gap.
 17. The method forclaim 16, wherein the hub conduit is a straight passageway.
 18. Themethod for claim 17, wherein the hub gap includes an O-ring.
 19. Themethod for claim 18, wherein an enclosed two-dimensional surface of thehub gap above the O-ring in the coupled modules has an area equal to anarea of the hub conduit.
 20. The method for claim 19, wherein thegassing module comprises sixteen hubs and two valves.
 21. The method forclaim 20, further comprising: the gassing module comprising, a flow tubehaving a diameter of about 0.4 inches to about 0.6 inches, the hubconduit having a diameter of about 0.12 inches to about 0.25 inches, andthe clean in place module comprising, a head having a diameter of about0.3 inches to about 0.4 inches, and a receptacle tube having a diameterof about 0.31 inches to about 0.5 inches; and a cleaning solution pumpedat about 20 pounds per square inch to about 60 pounds per square inchthrough the coupled modules, wherein the cleaning solution maintains aflow rate of at least 5 feet per second.